EU continues support for the "Racism. Its Stops With Me" Award in 2016

Canberra, 09/12/2016 - 04:40, UNIQUE ID: 161209_11

Press releases

The European Union Delegation to Australia has today sponsored the "Racism. It Stops With Me Award" at the Australian Human Rights Commission's Human Rights Awards held in Sydney.

The EU's Charge d'Affaires a. i. in Australia, Bruno Scholl, presented the award to the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters Council (NEMBC), a peak organisation of ethnic community broadcasters in Australia. It harnesses the expertise of more than 4000 volunteers from 125 cultural groups to broadcast more than 2000 hours of programs each week in English, Congolese, Punjabi, Farsi, Filipino and other languages. The award reaffirms the EU's commitment to supporting international human rights action and promoting unity in diversity.

"The EU is the leading humanitarian actor in the world," Dr Scholl said. "This award against racism is yet another example of the EU's vigorous measures for preventing and combating all forms and manifestations of racism and xenophobia. These measures are indispensable for the building of safe, inclusive and pluralistic societies based on the values of diversity, tolerance and mutual respect. "

"It is because of our commitment to fundamental human rights that we are delighted to be involved again with the Australian Human Rights Awards."

The #EU4HumanRights strategy for 2015-2019 aims to raise awareness about human rights issues in the world. The EU supports public lectures, debates, exhibitions and film screenings throughout the year and around the world.

In 2017, the EU Delegation to Australia is partnering with the Human Rights Art and Film Festival which tours nationally bringing social justice and human rights issues to a wide audience through art and film.